Green Spaces Project of
the Month

December
2003 - Moat and
Tower, Birmingham

Contact:Sue Fenoughty, tel. 0121
354 8438

The moat that gives its name to Moat
House tower block is an important green
space for the elderly people who live
there. It is also a haven for wild life
in an urban setting, and that adds
immense quality to the residents' lives.
But much more than this, the moat turns
out to be a significant historic location
- one of the most important
archaeological sites in Birmingham, in
fact - and as such, a fantastic resource
for everyone in the local community.

Northfield is not an especially
multicultural part of the city, and Moat
House Residents' Association comprises
mainly English people, with perhaps the
occasional Asian or Irish accent. Still,
the Moat and Tower is distinctive as a
BEN Green Space of the Month because it
is an example of an innovative, community
led heritage project which can inspire
other community groups by showing what
can be achieved when ordinary people
engage with the historic environment
around them.

Network members may recall Sue
Fenoughty's presentation of this
marvellous project at the BEN conference
in March 2003. Here is a chance to learn
more about the inside story of an amazing
community group and their fight to
improve their own environment, for the
benefit of all.